Injured NY Mets free agent signing isn’t making fans eager for his debut

David Stearns does a lot of things well, but the Frankie Montas free agent signing this offseason is one of those questionable calls. A $17 million pay day with a player option that already looks locked in for 2026, the preseason injury to Montas threw a cold shower on his year before it even began.

Fans showed some level of faith in the team’s determination to turn Clay Holmes into a starting pitcher. The worst case scenario would have had him sliding back into a relief role as an expensive setup man. The Griffin Canning deal was universally eye-brow raising. At a much lower cost, there wasn’t much to criticize as he’d be automatically sent packing if he failed.

Not Montas. There’s no moving him to the bullpen without a lengthy look as a starter. Although they’re only rehab outings, the results from his attempt to work his way back hasn’t made us any more eager to see him wearing orange and blue.

Frankie Montas looks like he could use as much rehab time as he can

Montas lasted 1.1 innings in his first rehab start on May 24. The 37-pitch outing included 20 strikeouts and 17 balls. He gave up a pair of earned runs and walked two as well. The next time out, in 49 pitches, 28 were thrown for strikes. He managed to get through 3 innings but another two earned runs charged against him plus another two walks altered his stat line for the game.

Batters have slashed .250/.381/.438 against him. A double and a triple are the two extra base hits he has allowed of the four total. As many walks as he has strikeouts plus a pair of stolen bases against him all equal out to a lack of excitement for him to re-enter the major leagues.

The Mets aren’t in any rush to get Montas back. Paul Blackburn is next in line to return from the IL and make his season debut. About equally as dull of a roster alteration, at least he was able to get minor leaguers out on a regular basis.

Blackburn’s rehab has included 7 total stats with a .194/.292/.347 slash line against him. It wasn’t full big league veteran up against minor league players like we’d imagine the results would show. However, 7 shutout innings of 1-hit ball on his May 21 start in Triple-A followed up by a 6.1 innings showing where he allowed 2 earned runs does at least show some competence. He’s averaging more than a strikeout per inning while owning a solid 3.68 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He'll start on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

No one should get too nuts about anyone’s results during a rehab stint, especially with a pitcher. It’s about mechanics, working on pitches, and re-familiarizing themselves with in-game situations. Accepting those bumps along the way is a part of being a fan. However, with an already existing doubt of the Montas signing in the first place, his inability to throw strikes consistently makes the waiting easier to accept.